Airport News

Airport News
Abu Dhabi International Airport has upgraded several key facilities in Terminal 1 in a bid to improve operational efficiency and increase the speed at which passengers move through the airport.

The expansion programme to install these facilities forms part of Abu Dhabi Airports' ongoing Capacity Enhancement Programme (CEP) to manage the increasing growth in passenger numbers ahead of the opening of the Midfield Terminal in 2017.

The overall approach to this phase of the CEP has been to reconfigure passenger flows into and through Terminal 1. 

Specifically this has comprised:

  • The installation of 350 metres of new walkways directly linking the passenger arrival gates to the immigration halls and transfer screening facilities;
  • The opening of 9 new Code E aircraft stands to accommodate the increasing number of large and wide bodied aircraft at the airport;
  • The introduction of 16 brand new state of the art X-Ray screening machines, capable of processing 2,000 transfer passengers per hour, further accelerating passenger movement and reducing waiting time;
  • Further enhancing passenger flow by enabling transfer passengers arriving at Terminal 1 to proceed directly to Terminal 3 without the need for further screening.

According to operator, Abu Dhabi Airports Company (ADAC), the upgrades to the Terminal 1 infrastructure will significantly improve passengers' experience.

It also claims that the whole screening process has been improved to increase efficiency as well as security.

ADAC states that passengers will have more space in which to move about and will spend less time queuing, giving them more of an opportunity to enjoy the multiple retail, F&B and entertainment facilities on offer.

The improvements to passenger flows inside Terminal 1 are being complemented by a new road network that will enhance airport access to all travellers, whether arriving or departing, from both Abu Dhabi and Dubai.

The work is expected to be completed within the next month.

Vehicles departing from arrivals, departures and the car parks will now be able to get straight onto roads to central Abu Dhabi, Dubai and local areas such Al Raha, Yas Island and Khalifa City.

Unveiling the new facilities, His Excellency, Ali Majed Al Mansoori, chairman of Abu Dhabi Airports Company (ADAC), enthused: "We are very pleased to have completed the next phase of our ongoing Capacity Enhancement Programme, which is aimed at ensuring that Abu Dhabi International airport is properly equipped to handle the increasing growth in passenger numbers.

"Starting from now, passengers will find the whole experience of moving around Terminal 1 simpler, easier and more enjoyable.

"This upgrade to our facilities is part of a continuing programme aimed at delivering the best possible passenger experience, using the most advanced and most innovative means at our disposal."

ADAC has signed a $124 million contract with Smiths Detection to equip the Midfield Terminal with a range of systems aimed at detecting CBRE threats (chemical, biological, radiological, nuclear and explosives).

The hold baggage systems include the next generation of high speed explosives detection system deploying a combination of X-ray technologies to produce high resolution images of baggage contents. There will also be 3D workstations for outbound equipment screening by the police and 2D workstations for the inbound screening by customs. 

For carry-on baggage screening, state of the art ATIX (Advanced Threat Inspection X-Ray) systems will be deployed, supported by trace detection sensors, bottle liquid scanners and radiation detectors.

Al Mansoori said: “The safety and security of passengers, crew and aircraft is our top priority, so it is vital that we should apply the very best and most innovative technology available to achieve this. Such an approach reflects Abu Dhabi Airports’ overall vision for the Midfield Terminal.

"It will offer passengers state-of-the-art experience in air travel, with every part of its development will be implementing the best possible solutions. We have been very impressed with the way in which Smiths Detection have demonstrated how their cutting edge X-ray systems will exceed current global standards. We look forward to seeing their deliverables on such an important part of the development of the Midfield Terminal.”